Vise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose vise apparatus for hobbiests and the like comprised of a mounting base having a pair of curved, oppositely inclined leg portions, a pair of reversible vise jaws with curved mounting surfaces and a plurality of gripping surfaces, and elastic means fastening each of the vise jaws to the mounting base for independent sliding and rocking movement between a plurality of positions to readily accept a variety of objects of different sizes and shapes. The vise jaws and mounting base may be provided with a plurality of horizontal bores or apertures which may be used for storage of paint brushes and similar hobbiest implements.

United States Patent 1 Sewell 11] 3,758,101 1 Sept. 11, 1973 I VlSE APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Windell C. Sewell, Lakewood, Colo.

[22] Filed: June 23, 1971 [2]] Appl. No.: 155,702

[52] US. Cl. 269/254 R, 269/281 [.51] Int. Cl B25b l/24, B25b 5/16 [58] Field of Search 269/254 R, 268, 270-271, 269/259, 279, 88, 135, 108, 130-220, 263,

Primary Examiner-Harold D. Whitehead Assistant Examiner-E. F. Desmond Attorney-Clarence A. O'Brien and Harvey B.

Jacobson [5 7] ABSTRACT A multi-purpose vise apparatus for hobbiests and the like comprised of a mounting base having a pair of curved, oppositely inclined leg portions, 9. pair of reversible vise jaws with curved mounting surfaces and a plurality of gripping surfaces, and elastic means fastening each of the vise jaws to the mounting base for independent sliding and rocking movement between a plurality of positions to readily accept a variety of objects of different sizes and shapes. The vise jaws and mounting base may be provided with a plurality of horizontal bores or apertures which may be used for storage of paint brushes and similar hobbiest implements.

18 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENTED 1 m3 SHEEI 1 Bi Fig. 4

Made/l 6. 5e well I VEN TOR.

W a Attorney:

PAIENTEBsm um SHEET 2 OF 2 Fig. 7

Fig.6

Winae/l 0. Se w l/ 1 VISE APPARATUS The present invention is generally related to vises, and, more particularly, to clamping vises to aid the hobby enthusiast in model construction and the like.

In the past many vise constructions have been provided, but, for the most part, these have been of relatively heavy weight construction and intended for tightly gripping objects in machine shops or similar applications. Such vise constructions are not acceptable for clamping or holding more fragile objects, such as model kit components, jewelry, ceramics, and the like.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel clamping apparatus for the hobbiest which is capable of gripping fragile objects with relatively small clamping forces, and which is capable of accommodating objects of various sizes and shapes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unique vise apparatus comprised of a relatively small number of parts, which is portable and lightweight, yet rugged, long lasting and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a versatile clamping apparatus having a pair of reversible vise jaws which may be rotated or flipped from position to another to accommodate clamping of either small or large objects, such jaw reversal being accomplished with great ease and in a minimum amount of time.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a hobbiest vise apparatus which may be easily operated by using only the thumb and fingers of one hand to squeeze a pair of vise jaws to achieve the desired opening for clamping of an object, the vise jaws automaticallyadjusting to the size and shape of the object.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vise apparatus of the present invention mounted on a tripod stand.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the vise apparatus clamping a rectangular object.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the vise clamping an irregularly shaped object.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the vise with a conical shaped object between its jaws.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the vise, illustrating flipping of the vise jaws from one position to another.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the visewith jaws flipped to accommodate larger objects.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along section 7-7 of FIG. 1. I

FIG. 8 is a partial front elevation of the a relatively thin object.

FIG. 9 is a partial front elevation of the jaws gripping a relatively large object, the bottom of which rests on the top surface of the mounting base.

Referring now, more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vise apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 and includes a pair of oppositely disposed vise jaws 12 and 14 fastened to a mounting base 16. Mounting base 16 may be attached to a tripod, or similar mounting stand, as indicated at jaws gripping 18. When desired, the mounting base may be rested on a flat table top or similar surface, as shown in FIG. 2. Vise jaws l2 and 14 are fastened to the mounting base by way of a pair of flexible, resilient, elastic bands 20 which extend through an open-ended bore or aperture 22 in each jaw, such that the elastic band is under a mild tension which maintains each jaw in snug engagement with the mounting base. The resilient, elastic means 20 may be comprised of a single elongated elastic strip, a closed loop rubber band of the conventional type, coil springs, or similar means which will bias the jaws toward the mounting base. In the preferred embodiment, the elastic bands 20 each extend around a downwardly extending portion 24 for easy removal, replacement, and installation.

Mounting base 16 is provided with a pair of downwardly and outwardly extending leg portions 25 and 26, which provide a pair of oppositely inclined mounting surfaces 27 and 28. respectively. As shown in FIG 2 each vise jaw is provided with a first curved surface having a gripping portion 30 at one end and a mounting portion 31 at the opposite end in engagement with mounting surfaces 27 and 28. The engagement between these surfaces is such thatthe vise jaws may be easily slid upon the mounting base to accommodate a variety of objects of different sizes and shapes. Also, the biasing forces of elastic bands 20 are such that each jaw may move independently of the other, and also that they may rock about their lateral curved edges to assure proper engagement with the clamped object and still provide mild clamping forces. This ability to flex independently is best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 3 each of the vise jaws 12 are canted about their front curved edges to accommodate an object 32 of decreasing taper extending out of the paper. A pair of notches 33 may be provided to aid] in gripping circular objects, such as 32. In FIG. 4, object 34 is generally conical in shape, yet gripping surfaces 30 are maintained in snug engagement with the tapered conical surfaces.

It will be appreciated that mounting base 16 is provided with a top body portion 36 which may serve as a support surface for the clamped object as shown in FIG. 3. It will also be noted that gripping surface 30 is, preferably, slightly curved or coplanar in shape to provide more positive gripping for objects of varying thickness. This is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, wherein objects 38, 40 and 42, respectively, are positively gripped by surfaces 30, regardless of shape.

It will be noted, that each vise jaw is provided with a second curved surface 44, oppositely disposed of the first curved surface and including a second gripping portion 46 at one end and a second mounting portion 48 at its opposite. end. Gripping portion 46 curves slightly inwardly and may be provided with a plurality of serrated edges 47, while mounting portion 48 curves outwardly and is generally smooth in configuration.

One of the versatile features of the present invention is that vise jaws l2 and 14 may be readily reversed by simple rotation about elastic bands 20 to provide an arrangement for gripping larger objects. This is best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Due to the inwardly curved surfaces of gripping portions 46 the vise jaws are capable of accommodating objects of much greater width than when in the first position as shown in FIG. 1. A third gripping portion 50 is provided by the flat surfaces defined by the terminating edges of the first and second curved surfaces of each vise jaw. Thus, when the vise jaws are in the second position, flat gripping surfaces 50 may be utilized for the gripping of objects of lesser thickness, such as illustrated in FIG. 5. Due to the fact that elastic bands 20 are free to rotate in apertures 22, the vise jaws may be quickly and easily rotated from one gripping position to another, without concern for twisting or tangling of the elastic bands regardless of the direction in which the vise jaws are rotated.

Referring to FIG. 7, the mounting between the vise apparatus and a typical tripod stand can be seen in detail. A mounting arm 52 extends downwardly from the body of mounting base 16, but not below the bottom edges 54 of each oppositely inclined leg 25 and 26. This provides for mounting to a tripod stand when desired, yet permits the vise apparatus to be rested on a flat table, or similar surface when the tripod is not desired. Mounting arm 52 is provided with a mounting hole through which a nut and bolt assembly 56 may be used for fastening to the tripod.

It will be appreciated that the vise apparatus of the present invention provides a versatile means for holding and clamping objects of various sizes and shapes, yet requires a minimum number of moving parts and is relatively inexpensive to produce. In the preferred embodiment, the vise jaws and mounting base may be made of high impact plastic, wood, or similar materials. It should be noted that minor changes in shape of the jaws, the number of implement apertures, or changes in material are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is foreseeable-that biasing means other than elastic bands 20 could be used for holding the vise jaws in position. It is appreciated that the present invention is lightweight, portable, and safe, yet durable, long lasting and relatively inexpensive to produce. From the foregoing it is apparent that the vise apparatus of the present invention provides a highly useful tool for the hobby enthusiast working with models, jewelry, ceramics, tool making and the like.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A vise apparatus comprising a base member, first and second reversible vise jaws, and biasing means connecting each of said vise jaws to said base member for positioning independent of each other, each of said vise jaws having a plurality of gripping surfaces, at least one of said gripping surfaces on one of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed a corresponding one of said gripping surfaces on the other of said vise jaws, said biasing means acting in a direction tending to bring the oppositely disposed gripping surfaces toward each other, said biasing means including a resilient, elastic member normally under tension and pulling said jaws toward said base member, said jaws being free to assume a plurality of engagement locations with said base member.

2. A vise apparatus comprising a base member, first and second reversible vise jaws, and biasing means connecting each of said vise jaws to saidbase member for positioning independent of each other, each of said vise jaws having a plurality of gripping surfaces, at least one of said gripping surfaces on one of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed a corresponding one of said gripping surfaces on the other of said vise jaws, said biasing means acting in a direction tending to bring the oppositely disposed gripping surfaces toward each other, said base member including a pair of curved mounting surfaces engaging said first and second vise jaws, respectively, said biasing means including resilient, elastic tension means extending between said base member to each of said vise jaws to pull each of said vise jaws toward the corresponding one of said curved mounting surfaces.

3. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said vise jaws includes a pair of oppositely disposed sides defined by first and second curved surfaces, one of which biasingly engages one of said curved mounting surfaces on said base member, said vise jaws being movable relative to said base member, such that th ir curved engaging surfaces engage the curved mounting surfaces at a plurality of different locations depending upon the position of each jaw.

4. A vise apparatus comprising a base member, first and second reversible vise jaws, and biasing means connecting each of said vise jaws to said base member for positioning independent of each other, each of said vise jaws having a plurality of gripping surfaces, at least one of said gripping surfaces on one of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed a corresponding one of said gripping surfaces on the other of said vise jaws, said biasing means acting in a direction tending to bring the oppositely disposed gripping surfaces toward each other, said base member including a pair of curved mounting surfaces engaging said first and second vise jaws, respectively, said curved mounting surfaces being oppositely inclined.

5. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said first and second curved surfaces of each vise jaw extend in substantially parallel directions and terminate at a pair of end surfaces.

6. The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein said vise jaws are each rotatably mounted to said tension means for selective rotation between positions wherein said first curved surfaces engage said base member and positioned wherein said second curved surfaces engage said base member.

7. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said curved mounting surfaces are oppositely inclined.

8. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said tension means extend from each of said end surfaces of said vise jaws to said base member.

9. The structure set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said vise jaws includes an open-ended aperture extending between said end surfaces, said tension means extending through said apertures.

10. The structure set forth in claim 9 wherein said tension means includes an elongated piece of flexible, resilient, elastic material.

11. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein each end of said first generally curved surface of each vise jaw includes a first mounting portion which curves outwardly, the opposite end including a first gripping portion, the first gripping portions of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed of each other when said first mounting portions are engaging said base member for gripping objects between said first gripping portions.

12. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said second generally curved surfaces each includes a second mounting portion at one end which extends outwardly in an area opposite said first gripping portion.

13. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein the curvature of said second mounting portion is different than the curvature of said base member mounting curved surface to permit rocking of said vise jaws to accommodate the gripping of objects of different sizes and shapes.

14. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said second generally curved surfaces each includes a second gripping portion at its opposite end which curves generally inwardly to accommodate gripping of objects.

15. The structure of set forth in claim 14 wherein said first mounting portions and said second gripping portions of each jaw are generally opposite each other and jects.

16. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said base member includes a central body portion and a pair of leg portions extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, each leg portion including said curved mounting surfaces.

17. The structure set forth in claim 16 wherein said resilient elastic tension means stretches between each of said vise jaws and said base member in the area between the junction of said leg portions of said body portion.

18. The structure set forth in claim 17 wherein each of said vise jaws includes an aperture through which said resilient, elastic tension means extends. 

1. A vise apparatus comprising a base member, first and second reversible vise jaws, and biasing means connecting each of said vise jaws to said base member for positioning independent of each other, each of said vise jaws having a plurality of gripping surfaces, at least one of said gripping surfaces on one of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed a corresponding one of said gripping surfaces on the other of said vise jaws, said biasing means acting in a direction tending to bring the oppositely disposed gripping surfaces toward each other, said biasing means including a resilient, elastic member normally under tension and pulling said jaws toward said base member, said jaws being free to assume a plurality of engagement locations with said base member.
 2. A vise apparatus comprising a base member, first and second reversible vise jaws, and biasing means connecting each of said vise jaws to said base member for positioning independent of each other, each of said vise jaws having a plurality of gripping surfaces, at least one of said gripping surfaces on one of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed a corresponding one of said gripping surfaces on the other of said vise jaws, said biasing means acting in a direction tending to bring the oppositely disposed gripping surfaces toward each other, said base member including a pair of curved mounting surfaces engaging said first and second vise jaws, respectively, said biasing means including resilient, Elastic tension means extending between said base member to each of said vise jaws to pull each of said vise jaws toward the corresponding one of said curved mounting surfaces.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said vise jaws includes a pair of oppositely disposed sides defined by first and second curved surfaces, one of which biasingly engages one of said curved mounting surfaces on said base member, said vise jaws being movable relative to said base member, such that their curved engaging surfaces engage the curved mounting surfaces at a plurality of different locations depending upon the position of each jaw.
 4. A vise apparatus comprising a base member, first and second reversible vise jaws, and biasing means connecting each of said vise jaws to said base member for positioning independent of each other, each of said vise jaws having a plurality of gripping surfaces, at least one of said gripping surfaces on one of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed a corresponding one of said gripping surfaces on the other of said vise jaws, said biasing means acting in a direction tending to bring the oppositely disposed gripping surfaces toward each other, said base member including a pair of curved mounting surfaces engaging said first and second vise jaws, respectively, said curved mounting surfaces being oppositely inclined.
 5. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said first and second curved surfaces of each vise jaw extend in substantially parallel directions and terminate at a pair of end surfaces.
 6. The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein said vise jaws are each rotatably mounted to said tension means for selective rotation between positions wherein said first curved surfaces engage said base member and positioned wherein said second curved surfaces engage said base member.
 7. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said curved mounting surfaces are oppositely inclined.
 8. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein said tension means extend from each of said end surfaces of said vise jaws to said base member.
 9. The structure set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said vise jaws includes an open-ended aperture extending between said end surfaces, said tension means extending through said apertures.
 10. The structure set forth in claim 9 wherein said tension means includes an elongated piece of flexible, resilient, elastic material.
 11. The structure set forth in claim 6 wherein each end of said first generally curved surface of each vise jaw includes a first mounting portion which curves outwardly, the opposite end including a first gripping portion, the first gripping portions of said vise jaws being oppositely disposed of each other when said first mounting portions are engaging said base member for gripping objects between said first gripping portions.
 12. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said second generally curved surfaces each includes a second mounting portion at one end which extends outwardly in an area opposite said first gripping portion.
 13. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein the curvature of said second mounting portion is different than the curvature of said base member mounting curved surface to permit rocking of said vise jaws to accommodate the gripping of objects of different sizes and shapes.
 14. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said second generally curved surfaces each includes a second gripping portion at its opposite end which curves generally inwardly to accommodate gripping of objects.
 15. The structure of set forth in claim 14 wherein said first mounting portions and said second gripping portions of each jaw are generally opposite each other and terminate in a pair of edges which define a third gripping portion adapted to accommodate gripping of objects.
 16. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said base member includes a central body portion and a pair of leg portions extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, each leg portion includiNg said curved mounting surfaces.
 17. The structure set forth in claim 16 wherein said resilient elastic tension means stretches between each of said vise jaws and said base member in the area between the junction of said leg portions of said body portion.
 18. The structure set forth in claim 17 wherein each of said vise jaws includes an aperture through which said resilient, elastic tension means extends. 